Connecting with Internet networks Dan Caruso leads Zayo Group, a Louisville-based Internet-network operator that has acquired more than a dozen companies Zayo reeled in an additional $95 million in funding in 2009 to feed its expansion and employs 430 people, with 120 of them in Colorado. The company, which carries Internet data for businesses, could see a surge in demand this year as consumers increasingly turn to high-bandwidth services and applications. Zayo's network serves as the "middle-mile" connection between companies and a home or business user's broadband service. An initial public offering could be in the cards in 2011. "Zayo will consider a variety of financial scenarios, including private equity, additional debt, merger, as well as an IPO," Caruso said.

Richard Lewis Merging education, competitiveness Richard Lewis turned RTL Networks into one of the 500 fastest-growing companies in the country, according to business magazine Inc. The information-technology company has grown to 70 employees since it was started in 2002. As a board member at the Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce, Lewis was one of the co-founders of the organization's Chamber Connect program, which provides executive training and networking opportunities. He said the paramount issues in 2011 are dealing with jobs and education — particularly closing the education gap for minority students.